Accession Number:

ADA061727

Title:

Continued Studies of Long-Term Ecological Effects of Exposure to Uranium.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept. 1 Oct 75-30 Sep 76,

Corporate Author:

LOS ALAMOS SCIENTIFIC LAB N MEX

Personal Author(s):

• Hanson,Wayne C.
• Miera,Felix R. , Jr

Report Date:

1977-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

22.0

Abstract:

Studies of the long-term consequences of exposing terrestrial ecosystems to natural and depleted uranium dispersed during explosives tests at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory LASL and test firing at Eglin Air Force Base EAFB, Florida, were continued. Soils from EAFB, sampled before and after firing of depleted uranium penetrators against armor plate targets, indicated that the upper 0- to 5-cm-deep soil usually contained more uranium than lower 5- to 10-cm-deep soil. However, no significant changes were apparent in samples taken before and after the test firing. E-F explosive testing site at LASL was selected for intensive study of uranium redistribution during its 33-yr use. Highest surface soil 0- to 2.5-cm-deep uranium concentrations occurred 0 and 10 m from the detonation point and averaged 4500 ppm. Concentrations in surface soil 50 and 200 m from the firing point were usually 15 of that value. The uranium distribution to 30-cm depths showed significant penetration into the soil. Alluvium collected 250 m from the E-F detonation area in Potrillo Canyon indicated that surface 0- to 2.5-cm-deep uranium concentrations were about 10 of those at the detonation point, and at 2.8 km they were twice background levels. Author

Descriptors:

• *URANIUM
• *ECOLOGY
• *RADIATION EFFECTS
• ALLUVIUM
• LONG RANGE(TIME)
• NUCLEAR EXPLOSION TESTING
• CONTAMINATION
• ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
• INVERTEBRATES
• SOIL TESTS
• HYMENOPTERA

Subject Categories:

• Radiobiology
• Inorganic Chemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE